05 Jun 2018

Residents of Chanoga and the surrounding villages were over the moon on Friday as they welcomed First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi to the village where she did her national service in 1989.

As a Tirelo Setshaba participant, Ms Masisi served as a teacher at Chanoga Primary School, agricultural demonstrator and court clerk. 

Accompanied by two other former participants, Ms Masego Makgori and Ms Thatayaone MacGann, who also served in the same village, the First Lady said she was there to greet and appreciate the support the community gave her.

Some of the elders got emotional at seeing the trio after 29 years while others broke into songs and ululations. 

Welcoming Ms Masisi and her entourage, Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi pointed out that there were very few who could do what she did.

He said many people forgot their foundations when they became successful, but that it was not the case with First Lady Masisi.

“What you have done will be a lesson to many and we are very thankful that you remembered us. 

Even President Mokgweetsi Masisi has made history and left a legacy here and very soon I will invite the two of you to join us as we officially open some of our projects to which he made a significant contribution,” he said.

Some of the elders who hosted Ms Masisi took turns to shower her with accolades for serving the community wholeheartedly. They described her as a loyal and responsible woman who demonstrated love to all irrespective of their backgrounds.

Ms Etsile Monnaapula, who worked with Ms Masisi at the kgotla, said the then court clerk loved her job and excelled at every task she undertook and good at motivating her co-workers. 

Another elder, Ms Keikotlhae Sedihe appealed to the First Lady to come up with initiatives aimed at empowering women most of whom were poverty stricken.

Addressing the packed kgotla, Ms Masisi said she found it fit to visit the village and greet the villagers who made a meaningful contribution to her life.

She said the community molded her into a responsible citizen.

“I remember the day when I was first introduced in this kgotla in 1989 when I was 18-years-old. I was asked by the then kgosi to translate for him in a case which involved a white man and I did well until the case was over. I am very grateful to be back after many years, and I am here to get my blessings which will take me far,” she said.

Ms Masisi expressed appreciation for the love, respect and support she enjoyed during her stay in Chanoga.

One of her dreams, she said, was to work outside the country which she managed to achieve.

The First Lady landed a job with the United Nations and was stationed in New York, United States of America. ENDS